Microsoft and NTT DoCoMo Create New Company to Provide Mobile Data Services in Japan

October 25, 1999
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REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 26, 1999 — Microsoft and NTT DoCoMo today announced the creation of MobiMagic Co., Ltd., a new joint-venture company that will develop and market mobile data services for users of NTT DoCoMo’s wireless networks in Japan, a move that broadens the collaborative relationship the two companies formed in March.

MobiMagic, a Japanese corporation that will be held equally by Microsoft and NTT DoCoMo, will build a data-center service for users of mobile phones, palm-size PCs and other mobile computing devices. The data center, built on Microsoft’s platform technology and expected to begin operating in mid-2000, will start by providing mobile users with access to email, scheduling and other intranet-based applications.

“Mobility is central to Microsoft’s vision, and we are excited about working with a world-class network provider like NTT DoCoMo to deliver mobile data services to our customers in Japan,” said Microsoft President Steve Ballmer. “Microsoft’s platforms and services combined with NTT DoCoMo’s mobile networks will provide users with a wide range of scalable and robust data services to enrich their daily lives.”

Ballmer said Microsoft is forming partnerships with companies throughout the industry — including wireless providers, cable operators and telecommunications operators — to accelerate the deployment and usage of broadband services worldwide. The company’s ultimate goal is to empower customers by providing software that works with PCs, televisions, telephones and other devices to make the most out of all types of high-speed Internet connections.